Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Growing pains in children: epidemiological analysis in a Mediterranean population

Angelos Kaspiris1, Chrisi Zafiropoulou

  • 1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Thriasio General Hospital-NHS, Magoula 19600, Attica, Greece. angkaspiris@upatras.gr <angkaspiris@upatras.gr>

Joint Bone Spine
|October 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent lower limb pains in children, often called growing pains, are common but poorly understood. This study suggests they may be linked to overuse syndromes from physical activity, not anatomical issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Recurrent lower limb pains, commonly known as growing pains, are the most frequent cause of musculoskeletal pain in children.
  • Despite extensive research, the exact nature and etiology of growing pains remain unclear, with various hypotheses proposed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological profile of children experiencing growing pains.
  • To examine management strategies employed by parents and medical professionals.
  • To correlate existing theories with epidemiological findings to validate or refute them.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study involving 532 children aged 4-12.
  • Data collected via semi-structured interviews (open and closed questions).
  • Analysis focused on lower limb pain occurrences in the 12 months preceding the visit.

Main Results:

  • Growing pains were identified in 130 children (24.5% frequency), meeting Petersen's criteria.
  • Pains predominantly occurred after intensive physical exercise.
  • Children's Body Mass Index (BMI) was not linked to the development of growing pains.
  • Primary management involved limb massage, followed by anti-inflammatory agents.

Conclusions:

  • Growing pains are a benign condition with an unknown pathophysiological mechanism.
  • The study refutes a strong link to anatomical or orthopedic disorders.
  • The high incidence after physical exercise suggests a potential lower extremity overuse syndrome, aligning with existing literature.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:28

Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.